TR (ANNC): And now. The story of one man, his mother, and the 8.6 miles of copper wire that separate them. It's Duane, The Chosen Son.

(PHONE RINGS 3X, PICKUP)

GK: Hello?

SS: Duane? Gosh honey I just

GK: Mom— before you start in, could I just say something?

SS: "Start in" — what does that mean?

GK: I know you're calling about the trip to Ohio, Mom, and look, it's a great idea, but I'm trying to finish a book and I just can't say yes right now. Okay?

(PAUSE)

SS: Are you on drugs, honey?

GK: I'm fine.

SS: I ask because that's a symptom of crystal meth use, Duane. Lashing out. You lash out and you also lose your teeth.

GK: I'm not on crystal meth, mother.

SS: Because if you're not coming, then we need to arrange for someone to lift the wheelchair.

GK: A wheelchair!!!! You're in a wheelchair???

SS: I shouldn't have mentioned it. Just put it out of your mind.

GK: Mother— are you in a wheelchair right now? Yes or no.
(PAUSE)

SS: No, but I'm going to get one. A motorized one. It's called the Jazz Penguin and it's blue.

GK: What's wrong? Why do you need a Jazz Penguin?

SS: Well— I fell yesterday.

GK: You fell.

SS: Yes. I fell.

GK: Are you alright?

SS: Well. That depends on what you mean by "all right."

GK: Why are you going to Ohio, Mother?

SS: Well, your father wants to visit the Tire Museum in Akron. It's a spiritual pull for him, Duane. And I want to go see the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland. So.

GK: I didn't know you liked Rock and Roll, Mom.

SS: Well I don't. But they have a big new exhibit on RocknRoll stars who died young and how they died and they're showing the clothes they died in and it just sounded interesting to me. I just thought I should see it so I know what not to wear.

GK: Isn't that a little morbid?

SS: No more so than these people who tour Civil War battlefields.

GK: It's just a strange reason to go to a Rock and Roll Museum —

SS: Well, for your information, I was a big fan of the Bluebirds. A band of rock and roll.

GK: I never heard of them, Mom.

SS: That's because they died young. Right after their first big hit— (SHE SINGS) I've got a feeling...my life will not last…..Time is going…by so fast……we'll reach the top and...gain fortune and fame...and then we'll crash….and burn in the flames…… Oooooooooo

GK: And they died in a car crash, the Bluebirds?

SS: No, they were attacked by dogs.

GK: Oh.

SS: German Shepards, jumped out at them as they were having a nice picnic and chewed them to pieces. I'm getting all choked up, thinking about it. (TR MURMURS) Talk to your dad, Duane, I've got to go blow my nose. (OFF) Here Hank. Take the phone. Don't twist the cord, Hank. Now you've got it all tangled. Take it. Take it.

TR (MIDWESTERN): Hello son.

GK: Hi dad.

TR (MIDWESTERN): Hear you might come with us to Ohio.

GK: I don't know. I'm sort of working on a book.

TR (MIDWESTERN): Oh. (LONG BEAT) You don't want to see the Erie Canal.

Lovingly selected from the earliest archives of A Prairie Home Companion, this heirloom collection represents the music from earliest years of the now legendary show: 1974–1976. With songs and tunes from jazz pianist Butch Thompson, mandolin maestro Peter Ostroushko, Dakota Dave Hull and the first house band, The Powdermilk Biscuit Band (Adam Granger, Bob Douglas and Mary DuShane).